Caleb Swanigan, former Purdue basketball star, dies at 25

Caleb Swanigan, an ex-Purdue basketball player, has passed away at 25.

Tuesday’s confirmation from the Allen County Coroner’s office was that Swanigan, who died Monday at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne (Indiana), of natural causes, was confirmed by the Allen County Coroner’s office.

According to Rebecca Maze, a senior coroner’s investigator, a private doctor will handle his death certificate.

Basketball for men at Purdue tweeted Tuesday: “Devastated,” and “Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan’s family and friends. The world has lost a gentle soul last evening. Love you Biggie.”

The 6-foot-9 center is originally from Fort Wayne. He attended Homestead High School before joining the Boilermakers in 2015-2017. He averaged more that 14 points and 10 boards for Purdue.

Swanigan was named The Associated Press player-of-the-year in the Big Ten Conference for 2017, when he averaged over 18 points. He was unanimously selected for the Big Ten Player of Year and the AP All Big Ten team.

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Swanigan in the first round of their 2017 draft. He also played for Sacramento Kings.